Convention Season 2011
Is it really that time again? Time to shake off the snow and persistent cold temperatures to shake the dice once more with good friends.
I’m a big fan on gaming year round but there is something special about conventions. Here is a quick run down of the events I am planning on attending.
Cold Wars, March 11 – 13, Lancaster Pa
The Lancaster Host is a staple of wargaming on the east coast. The venue is great despite it’s age and the Catalyst crew running the BattleTech show are the best out there.
Despite recent HMGS drama, the gaming is good and the dealer room is excellent. You will not be disappointed, especially if you are a BattleTech fan.
NJCon, May 13-14, Somerset NJ
NJCon is back after a hiatus when they ran into venue difficulties. This convention has a distinctly cozy and familiar feel. Despite it’s small size there is plenty of great games from a dedicated and varied group of gamers.
The convention price is the most affordable on the list making it a great choice for gamers on a budget.
Historicon, July 7 – 10, Valley Forge Pa
The big daddy of wargaming is back at Valley Forge. While the venue missed a few steps last year, the familiar HMGS crew will be in full force with ample reasons to take in the weekend to smash ‘Mechs for king and country.
GenCon, August 4 – 7, Indianapolis IN
http://www.gencon.com/2011/indy
While HMGS conventions are a laser focused on wargaming, GenCon remains a perennial melting pot of every gaming variety under the sun. If you like gaming, GenCon will have it. Catalyst always puts on a good show and is sure to have a few tricks up it’s sleeve for eager fans to snap up. Being the epicenter of the gaming world has many perks, and it is worth a trip at least once for every gamer.
For the first time since I have begun attending back in 2008 GenCon is in flux for me. I still have to figure out my schedule in August. I’m hopeful, but can’t say for certain just yet.
CarnageCon, November 4 – 6, Fairlee VT
This is a new convention for me and is uncharacteristically well into the colder winter months. It is a bit farther North than I usually wander but from what I’ve heard it is worth the trip. Unfortunately the on-site hotel is already sold out but there are more than a few alternatives within an easy driving distance. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to try something new.
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I’m keeping my fingers crossed that my finances will allow me to go to GenCon this year, especially as it would be the 20th anniversary of my first and only other attendance at a GenCon.
If by chance we both make it this year I insist on a BattleTech bloggers dinner Sat night.
At the Arbys or the Subway? Cause a gamer’s gotta eat on the cheap.
Unless there’s beer involved.
Ah the famous Arby’s, where Hanse eats huh. ;-)
No GenCon for me this year. Anyone headed to Origins?
I know I’m gonna go to Historicon, but money and time will might keep me from going to GenCon. I do know that I will rember all of my minis when I go to Historicon
Glad to hear you’re making the trip up to Fairlee for Carnage. New folks are always welcome!